Tips for Leading a Life Stories Writing Class

In 1904, Mark Twain defined the "right way to do an Autobiography"
as "start it at no particular time in your life: wander at your free
will all over your life; talk only about the thing which interests
you for the moment; drop it at the moment its interest threatens to
pale, and turn your talk upon the new and more interesting thing
that has intruded itself into your mind meantime."

In our experience, Twain's observation was right on the mark.
There is no right way to write an autobiography. However, we
have found some helpful tips for leading a class of people trying to
find their way into their life story. We share them here with
you.

There is always at least one who will say, “my life isn’t that
interesting.” Usually, it helps to explain that no one’s life is
fascinating every minute or every day though many things contribute
to the fabric of their life stories that are interesting. Wouldn’t
they have been interested in their parents' written story?

Keep the class discussion about the writing process and feedback on
written stories. After Week 1 direct participants away from
‘storytelling’ and encourage all stories to be written, which will
evolve into their family legacy and keepsake.

In a class of more than 10 participants, you may need to set time limits in order for everyone to have the opportunity to share. Watch
for participants who monopolize time.

Always be courteous and respectful of all readers and their stories.
Remember, it is their story and they will create it in their own
style. Be complimentary and encouraging.

As participants read their stories, ask further questions. Get the
group involved in this process too as it will help with story
expansion, develop new story ideas and keep up project
enthusiasm. Participants often find they have some shared
experiences.

References

"The Latest Attempt," one of the prefaces written to introduce the
final form of Twain's autobiography. Autobiography of Mark Twain,
Vol. 1. (2010) Harriet Elinor Smith, ed. Berkeley:
University of California Press. p. 220.